KOLKATA: Friendly nations are looking into the possibility of getting their ships built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Rear Admiral (retd) A K Verma, chairman-cum-managing director, GRSE, said on Monday during the launch of a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) for the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). Vice Admiral P K Chatterjee, commander-in-chief, ANC (CINCAN), was the chief guest during the event.

"Friendly countries are inquiring about the shipbuilding capabilities of GRSE and are interested in placing orders," Verma said. When asked about the countries that have made inquiries, the CMD told TOI: "I wouldn't like to name the countries as we are competing with other countries that are very well known for their shipbuilding capabilities. However, these are countries from Central Asia, North Africa and Latin America."

Speaking to GRSE workers in Bengali, the CINCAN urged them to pay attention to aesthetics. "It is important that the finishing is good. This is when people say that the ship has been built by a powerful country. You have the skill. Once you can ensure timely delivery, your order books will be full," he said.